Two bills have been introduced in the Florida legislature that would allow the use of phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of phosphate mining, in road beds. This would be a major change in policy, as the use of phosphogypsum in roads is currently prohibited across the country.
Proponents of the bills argue that using phosphogypsum in roads would be a cost-effective way to dispose of the waste product and would also improve the quality of Florida’s roads. However, opponents of the bills warn that the radioactive material could leach into the groundwater and soil, posing a health risk to residents.
The EPA has also expressed concerns about the proposed legislation. The agency says that the radioactive material could pose a health risk to road construction workers and residents who live near roads that are paved with phosphogypsum.
The debate over the use of phosphogypsum in roads is likely to continue. Proponents of the bills argue that it is a safe and cost-effective way to dispose of the waste product and improve the quality of Florida’s roads. However, critics of the bills warn that it could pose a health risk to residents.
Here are some of the key points from the blog post:
- Bills have been introduced in the Florida legislature that would allow the use of phosphogypsum, a radioactive byproduct of phosphate mining, in road beds.
- The use of phosphogypsum in roads is currently prohibited across the country.
- Proponents of the bills argue that using phosphogypsum in roads would be a cost-effective way to dispose of the waste product and would also improve the quality of Florida’s roads.
- Opponents of the bills warn that the radioactive material could leach into the groundwater and soil, posing a health risk to residents.
- The EPA has also expressed concerns about the proposed legislation.
- The debate over the use of phosphogypsum in roads is likely to continue.
It is important to note that the bills are still in their early stages, and it is unclear whether they will be passed by the Florida Legislature. If the bills are passed, Florida would need to apply for approval from the EPA before using phosphogypsum in roads. The EPA would then review Florida’s application and make a decision about whether to approve the use of phosphogypsum in roads.